Glenglassaugh Sandend 700ml

Glenglassaugh Sandend is a no age statement Highland single malt from the Glenglassaugh distillery, which sits on the shore of Sandend Bay near the harbour town of Portsoy. It is matured in a mix of bourbon, sherry and Manzanilla casks and bottled at a full 50.5% ABV.

Buy Glenglassaugh Sandend Online in New Zealand

Glenglassaugh dates back to 1875. Production stopped in 1986 and the stills stayed cold until the distillery was brought back to life in 2008. Sandend sits in the core range alongside Portsoy and a 12 Year Old, all built around the distillery’s coastal setting. The cask mix is what makes this bottle stand out. Bourbon wood gives vanilla and soft tropical fruit, sherry adds richness, and Manzanilla, a pale, dry sherry style from the Spanish coast, brings a tangy, salty lift. The higher strength means the flavour holds up well when you add water.

Glenglassaugh’s own tasting notes:

Nose: Buttery vanilla ice cream with plenty of tropical fruit, a little chocolate and a hint of sea salt.

Palate: Salted caramel first, then a lively burst of pineapple, cherry and grapefruit with a fresh, seaside edge.

Pour a measure neat into a tulip or Glencairn glass and give it a minute, then add water a few drops at a time until the fruit opens up. At this strength a small splash makes a real difference. It works well with oysters, smoked fish or a salted caramel tart, and a bottle stays in good shape for months once opened if you keep it upright and out of the sun.